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Medical Significance of Microorganisms in Spacecraft EnvironmentMicroorganisms can spoil food supplies, contaminate drinking water, release noxious volatile compounds, initiate allergic responses, contaminate the environment, and cause infectious diseases. International acceptability limits have been established for bacterial and fungal contaminants in air and on surfaces, and environmental monitoring is conducted to ensure compliance. Allowable levels of microorganism in water and food have also been established. Environmental monitoring of the space shuttle, the Mir, and the ISS have allowed for some general conclusions. Generally, the bacteria found in air and on interior surfaces are largely of human origin such as Staphylococcus spp., Micrococcus spp. Common environmental genera such as Bacillus spp. are the most commonly isolated bacteria from all spacecraft. Yeast species associated with humans such as Candida spp. are commonly found. Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp., and Cladosporium spp. are the most commonly isolated filamentous fungi. Microbial levels in the environment differ significantly depending upon humidity levels, condensate accumulation, and availability of carbon sources. However, human "normal flora" of bacteria and fungi can result in serious, life-threatening diseases if human immunity is compromised. Disease incidence is expected to increase as mission duration increases.
Document ID
20070030177
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Pierson, Duane L.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Ott, C. Mark
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Date Acquired
August 24, 2013
Publication Date
September 17, 2007
Subject Category
Aerospace Medicine
Meeting Information
Meeting: 5th Space Microbiology Workshop
Location: Tokyo
Country: Japan
Start Date: September 17, 2007
End Date: September 21, 2007
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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